Best 10 Zoom Alternatives in 2026: Free and Paid Picks

Introduction

Microsoft Teams is the best overall Zoom alternative, because it puts meetings, chat and Office 365 in one place. This list of zoom alternatives covers 10 tools, from free open-source options to enterprise and webinar platforms.

Why people look for alternatives to Zoom

Teams leave Zoom for a few common reasons:

• One tool for everything. Some teams want chat, files and meetings together, so they pick a platform tied to their existing suite.
• Price and plan limits. Small teams and occasional users often find paid plans or free-plan limits a poor fit.
• Privacy and self-hosting. Some organizations want control over where their calls run.
• Simple guest access. Browser meetings with no install are easier for clients.
• Webinar and event needs. Some people need features Zoom may not cover for them.

Quick comparison table

Pricing changes often, so check each vendor for current plans.

1. Microsoft Teams

Best for: teams already on Office 365.

Microsoft Teams combines meetings, chat and Office integration in one app. It leans harder on the Microsoft ecosystem than Zoom does, which is both its strength and its limit.

The big draw is having meetings and chat sit right next to your Office documents. It runs on Web, Desktop, iOS and Android.

Caveat: it fits best if you already live in Microsoft tools.

2. Google Meet

Best for: Google Workspace and Gmail users who want zero setup.

Google Meet runs in the browser with no install, so it's simpler than Zoom. You'll find it on Web, iOS and Android, but there's no dedicated desktop app.

The best part is joining straight from Gmail and Google Calendar. There's very little to learn.

Caveat: it is lighter on advanced features.

3. Cisco Webex

Best for: large organizations that need security and admin control.

Cisco Webex is an enterprise meeting and calling platform. Next to Zoom, it leans more toward IT oversight than casual use.

Its admin and security controls are the main reason to pick it. It runs on Web, Desktop, iOS and Android.

Caveat: it may be more than a small team needs.

4. GoTo Meeting

Best for: businesses that want a plain interface and phone options.

GoTo Meeting is built for business and has fewer consumer features than Zoom. The interface stays straightforward.

Bundled phone options set it apart. It is available on Web, Desktop, iOS and Android.

Caveat: it is less suited to casual or social use.

5. Jitsi Meet

Best for: privacy-minded users and anyone who wants free, no-account calls.

Jitsi Meet is open source. You can self-host it or use it free with no account, which Zoom doesn't offer in the same way.

Self-hosting is the main attraction. It works on Web, iOS and Android.

Caveat: it has fewer enterprise features than Zoom.

6. Whereby

Best for: freelancers, client calls and developers who want embeddable rooms.

Whereby offers browser-based meetings with persistent rooms and no downloads. It is simpler than Zoom, so guests can join quickly.

Embeddable rooms are its best feature. It runs on Web, iOS and Android.

Caveat: it is built for small meetings rather than big events.

7. Slack Huddles

Best for: teams that already work in Slack and want quick calls.

Slack Huddles provides lightweight audio and video calls inside Slack channels. It suits quick team chats, not the large webinars Zoom can host.

You can start a call from a channel in one click. It works on Web, Desktop, iOS and Android.

Caveat: it is not a webinar tool.

8. BlueJeans

Best for: enterprise teams that want a Verizon-backed meeting service.

BlueJeans is a video meeting service from Verizon with an enterprise focus. That focus is its main difference from Zoom, and we are not listing further specifics.

It is listed for Web and Desktop.

Caveat: confirm current availability and plans with the vendor, since details beyond the basics are not given here.

9. Livestorm

Best for: webinars, demos and virtual events.

Livestorm is browser-based and more specialized in events and marketing than Zoom. It is available on the Web.

Its webinar and event focus is the point, and it suits demos and marketing sessions well.

Caveat: it is overkill for everyday team calls.

10. Zoho Meeting

Best for: budget-conscious teams that want meetings plus webinars.

Zoho Meeting is affordable and part of the Zoho suite. Going by its positioning, it costs less than Zoom.

Low price plus webinar support is the appeal. It runs on Web, iOS and Android.

Caveat: it has fewer integrations outside Zoho.

How we picked these tools

The picks cover different needs: suites, simple browser tools, open source, enterprise and webinars. We compared each tool's stated purpose, platforms and trade-offs against Zoom.

This is not hands-on testing, and we give no scores or ratings. No tool here is sponsored.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best free Zoom alternative?

Jitsi Meet and Google Meet are the main free options. Check each one's current free plan limits before committing.

Which alternative needs no download?

Google Meet, Whereby and Jitsi Meet all work in the browser.

Which alternative suits webinars?

Livestorm and Zoho Meeting both support webinars. Livestorm is more focused on events.

The verdict

Microsoft Teams is the strongest overall pick on merit for teams that want meetings and chat together. Google Meet is the runner-up for simplicity, and Jitsi Meet is the pick for free or self-hosted use.

Match the tool to your situation: your existing suite, privacy needs, webinars or budget.